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Article 5 Lot and Building Standards
5-12 Cluster and Open Space Development
Wake County Unified Development Code
5-2
R-80
R-40 R-30 R-20 R-15 R-10 R-5
HD RHC
Rear
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Maximum Impervious Coverage (% of lot)
Residential Development [1] [2] [3]
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Nonresidential Development [1] [2] [3] [5]
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Maximum Building Height (feet)
35
35
35
35
35
35
[4]
35
35
Minimum Building Separation (feet)
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
20
NA
NA
[1] In some cases, more restrictive standards may apply to lots within the Swift Creek, Little River and Smith Creek Water Supply
Watersheds. See Article 11.Part 3.
[2] Lots created after 7/01/2001 are subject to Wake County stormwater management regulations.
[3] Nitrogen export check required and is limited to 3.6 lbs./ac./yr. without best management practices or payments made to the
N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Does not apply to nonresidential development in R-80W and R-40W districts.
[4] Maximum height in R-5 = 35 feet or 1 foot of building height for each 3 feet that the building is set back from front, side and
rear property lines, whichever allows the greater height.
[5] Nonresidential Development in HD may exceed 30 percent maximum impervious. See 3-23-5(A)(2).
Commentary: At the time of subdivision plat review, Wake County’s Department of Environmental Services will review
subdivisions for compliance with impervious surface coverage limitation. This review will be based on the total impervious
surface coverage of the subdivision as a whole, as opposed to the impervious cover on individual lots. Stormwater management
devices will be required if the subdivision as a whole exceeds 15% impervious cover.
[Amended on 1/22/2008 by OA 04-07.]
5-12
Cluster and Open Space Development
5-12-1 Purpose
The regulations of this section are intended to encourage subdivision design that is more efficient and
provides greater protection of open space and natural resources than conventional subdivision
designs. Cluster and open space subdivision designs allow more compact and less costly networks of
roads and utilities. They also help reduce stormwater run-off and non-point source pollutant loading
rates and may help to preserve an area’s rural character. Cluster and open space subdiv
isions are
intended to encourage the provision of needed open space and recreational amenities for residents,
while also helping to retain an area’s chara
cter and preserve natural, environmentally sensitive and
historic resources.
5-12-2 General Description
(A)
The cluster and open space development standards of this section require that a specified
portion of each subdivision be set aside and permanently preserved as open space. The
primary difference between cluster developments and open space developments is the
amount of open space that must be preserved. Cluster developments are required to set
aside a modest amount of open space, while open space developments are required to set
aside a far greater amount.
(B)
The required open space area within cluster or open space developments can be used to
provide recreational opportunities for the subdivision's residents, to conserve and protect
significant natural resources, or to conserve productive farming and forestry uses.
5-12-3 Minimum Subdivision Site Size
(A) Cluster Development
The minimum required land area for a cluster development is 10 acres.